I think she was about 27 yrs old and I’m pretty sure I knew more than she did…lol. But really, I may have. She said that they won’t even consider intervention on anything until it was 8mm or greater…anterior or posterior. She had a hard time explaining the difference between “fusiform” and “berry” . I had to request a second image “MRI”, (first one was a ct) to confirm mine was 7mm. If anyone could comment with some answers, it sure would be more reassuring…pretty bad first experience.
Hi Brad...I am sorry, but this sounds like an awful first trip to a neurosurgeon. Can you get a second opinion? Why won't they consider doing surgery on 7mm BA...? I am upset for you...I feel you really need some better answers...Gotcha in my Thoughts ~ Colleen
Brad....welcome...and, I hope you get lots of feedback...I glanced briefly at your intro page..
the size of aneurysms has always concerned me...i.e. waiting...more radiation / contrast materials as they track growth... that is just my personal opinion...no expertise whatsoever..
Please pull up fusiform and berry online for images and explanations...also on craniotomy and minimally invasive coiling...likely both will be addressed...
Beg, plead, and pray that you have family/friends to be your escort / driver...you'd not want to experience out on my way to my car...ended up in ER...I have always felt so blessed by that fraction of time.
By the way, my initial diagnostic off the gold standard angio was a 6mm aneurysm...
I have been promoting two books on the BAF web pages...authored by doctors Nussbaum and Spetzler...
Prayers for your quick results in getting to a 2nd opinion...
Pat
Hi Brad! While I can't help to comment with some answers; I will share that it sounds like perhaps a second opinion may be a good next step if this is something that you can move forward with. I'm sure this was very unsettling for you and wish you nothing but the best of care and answers!
Michele
Hi Brad,
Yeah, I hope you're able to get a 2nd opinion -- I see you're in Canada, and i'm not sure how that works when it comes to these things, but it sounds like another opinion is well warranted. I read your page, and you mentioned vision loss in one eye? what was the doctors response to that? Got you in my thoughts, Peace, Janet
hi brad! please get a second opinion, 8 mm??? is that a typo?? watch and waits are half that size, let us know Brad- we must be our own advocates but with teamwork we can win~ tc let us know please
My unruptured 4mm aneurysm was discovered in July last year, saw neurosurgeon in Aug, and clipped in September. I know everyone is different but you deserve to have more questions answered. I hope you are able to request a second opinion. I get really picky with Doctors...I look for those who are older and more experienced. I know that sounds prudish but it's my head I'm protecting after all right?
I agree you should get a second opinion. I believe this doc may be mistaken in thinking smaller than 8mm were unlikely to rupture but mine was about 7mm when it happened. they also discovered a 6 1/2mm aneurysm which I have recently had coiled but part of that was because I had already had a rupture and serious sah and vasospasm as a result.
If a neuro wont intervene, then you really should do all you can to reduce your risk factors for rupture such as quitting smoking, drinking only in moderation and no binge drinking, keeping blood pressure under control etc
Brad,
I'm so sorry to hear of this experience. Please push very hard for a 2nd opinion, do whatever you have to do. It should be YOUR choice to have the surgery or not, not hers. I understand that's not how the world works in most cases, but the noisiest patients often get better care. Go make some noise!
Hi Brad,
Wishing you the best of luck with your next visit.
Here in Australia in the public system when I go to visit my neurosurgen I am always seen by the trainee docs. I am very lucky and am with one of the best surgens around! I just never see her :o) She has a team. If I ask difficult questions they don't know the answer to they leave the room to go find out. I trusted the team. Some of the things they have said over the years are quite funny in hindsight. I think they are really there just to give me my test results and get through clinic.
Mine was 7mm to start and I had to wait 5 yrs for the pipeline stent. It shrank down 3mm one year - yeah - then up again. Maybe yours is in a difficult possition?
I agree with all the wise post above - If you can, ask another doc.
Oh, if you look online maybe try to stick with government type sites e.g. the Mayo Clinic, health departments. More balanced info.
cheers vee